Tag Archives: victim – elderly animal

Animal Abandonment, Cats, Denial of Veterinary Treatment, Dogs, Fish, Glasgow & West Scotland, Scotland, Starvation / Malnutrition, Unfit Living Conditions

Glasgow: Catherine Ann Stewart

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Close‑up selfie of Catherine Stewart wearing a white collared shirt and grey jacket, standing in front of scaffolding or metal framework outdoors.
Catherine Stewart left her pets locked inside with no food or water while she went on holiday.

In July 2025, SSPCA inspectors forced entry to Catherine Ann Stewart’s home in Raithburn Road, Castlemilk, after she failed to respond to abandonment checks and admitted she was away on holiday in Blackpool.

Two photos of Tasha, a small light‑coloured chihuahua mix: one standing on a wooden floor beside toys, the other standing on a sofa in a living room with shelves and a window behind her.
Tasha, the 14‑year‑old Pomeranian chihuahua, pictured in the home months before inspectors intervened.

Stewart had falsely claimed that her sister was caring for her animals, but could not provide any details when asked.

Inside the locked property, inspectors found three dogs and a kitten left without food or accessible water. The only water present was in a mop bucket, which one of the smaller dogs could not reach.

The house smelled strongly of ammonia and faeces, and the animals had been confined to the hallway and living room.

Two border collies, Angel and Gio, immediately jumped up on inspectors and tried to go outside.

Black and white dog wearing a harness and leash, standing on a paved surface in dappled sunlight, looking toward the camera with its mouth slightly open.
One of two border collies left by Stewart to fend for himself

A 14‑year‑old Pomeranian chihuahua named Tasha was found barking, with cloudy eyes, overgrown nails and clear signs of chronic illness. She was underweight, coughing, unable to jump, and had not been registered with a vet. It was later established that she had been suffering for around two months and has since died.

A small white kitten with brown tabby markings being held by an SSPCA inspector wearing a dark vest with a paw‑print logo, standing beside metal enclosure bars.

A young white kitten was discovered alone in a messy room, crying and desperate for affection, with no food or water available.

Four goldfish were also found in a tank in a bedroom.

A video doorbell inside the property provided Stewart with a remote view of the living room, despite her claim that someone else was caring for the animals.

Stewart pleaded guilty at Glasgow Sheriff Court to three offences under the Animal Welfare Act 2006.

Sentence

Court: Glasgow Sheriff Court
Date: 5 October 2026
Penalty: 18‑month disqualification from owning animals
Additional Orders: Placed under supervision
Mitigation: First offender; background reports cited poor decision‑making and inability to problem‑solve

At a Glance

Close‑up portrait of Catherine Stewart with curly brown hair, light skin, and a small piercing near her mouth, standing against a textured white wall.

Offender: Catherine Ann Stewart
Born: circa 1988
Age at Conviction: 37
Address: Raithburn Road, Castlemilk, Glasgow G45 9RR
Occupation: Not reported
Previous Convictions: None known
Additional Information: Claimed sister was caring for animals; later admitted ownership waiver; previously acquired two cats eight months before sentencing

Glasgow Times
STV News

Denial of Veterinary Treatment, Dogs, England, North East England, Physical Violence, Psychological Abuse

Darlington, County Durham: David Young

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A man bends down toward a small black dog at the entrance of a residential front yard. The image is a still taken from video footage recorded outside Young’s property.
Young was filmed inflicting repeated violence on the frail dog

Incident Details

Footage captured between February and June 2025 showed 61‑year‑old David Young repeatedly kicking, dragging, and shouting at his elderly Patterdale terrier, Milo.

The video, handed to the RSPCA by a concerned member of the public, showed Young kicking 19-year-old Milo in the back, tail and hind leg before dragging him by the collar.

When Inspector Clare Wilson attended Young’s home with police on 11 June 2025, Milo was so stiff and reluctant to walk that he had to be carried into the vet practice.

Credit: Northern Echo

He was blind and suffering from arthritis, cataracts, dental disease, abdominal and testicular growths, and cancer. Despite being diagnosed with dental disease in 2023, Young had not sought treatment.

A small elderly dog with a black and grey coat standing indoors on a speckled floor, attached to a leash. The dog’s face appears greyed with age, showing signs of frailty.

A vet concluded Milo had been subjected to non‑accidental injury, stating Young had attempted to hurt him several times and that the emotional impact of the abuse may have been long‑lasting.

Due to Milo’s age and extensive health problems, euthanasia was considered the kindest option following sentencing. A second dog was also removed under a deprivation order.

Sentence

At Peterlee Magistrates’ Court, Young was banned from keeping dogs for two years. He was also given a deprivation order for his second dog, who will now be rehomed by the RSPCA.

A man wearing a blue vest stands in an alley beside a small black dog. The scene is taken from video footage documenting interactions between Young and Milo.
Still from video footage showing Milo outside with David Allan Young during one of many recorded incidents.

He received a £220 fine, £300 in costs, and an £88 victim surcharge.

In mitigation, the court heard Young had “mental health difficulties”.

RSPCA Statement

Inspector Clare Wilson said: “Milo was an elderly and vulnerable dog who should have been able to spend his final years feeling safe and cared for.

“The footage showed a deeply concerning pattern of behaviour towards him, with Milo being kicked and dragged by his collar on multiple occasions.

An elderly black‑and‑grey Patterdale terrier standing on a vet table, supported by a staff member. The dog has cloudy eyes and visible health issues, including a lump on the forehead, reflecting his frail condition during examination.

“He was also suffering from a number of health problems which required veterinary attention.

“It is heartbreaking that Milo suffered in this way, particularly during his later years.”

At a Glance

Name: David Allan Young
Age: 61
Location: Longfield Road, Darlington DL3 0EW
Victim: Milo — 19‑year‑old Patterdale terrier (blind; arthritis; cataracts; dental disease; abdominal/testicular growths; cancer)
What Happened: Repeated kicking; dragging by collar; non‑accidental injury confirmed by vet
Outcome for Victim: Euthanised due to age and severe health conditions
Second Dog: Removed under deprivation order; to be rehomed
Sentence: 2‑year dog ban; £220 fine; £300 costs; £88 surcharge Mitigation: “Mental health difficulties”

ChronicleLive
Northern Echo

Animal Torture, Dogs, England, Lifers, North East England, Physical Violence, Serial Animal Abusers, Worst of the Worst

Consett, County Durham: John Bagnall

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A man in a red shirt sitting indoors, facing the camera with a neutral expression.
John Bagnall caused prolonged suffering to his elderly terrier‑type dog, Jake.

Case Summary

John Bagnall, born 7 May 1988, of Wansbeck Grove, Consett, was banned from keeping animals for life after his elderly terrier‑type dog, Jake, died following months of suffering caused by blunt‑force trauma.

Offender Overview

  • Name: John Bagnall
  • Born: 7 May 1988
  • Age at Conviction: 38
  • Address: Wansbeck Grove, Consett DH8 6EW
  • Occupation: Unknown
  • Previous Convictions: Not stated
  • Additional Information: Court heard that Bagnall is autistic.

Incident Details

On 29  October 2025, RSPCA Inspector Christine Nisbet attended Bagnall’s home after reports that his dog had been beaten.

Bagnall claimed he found Jake dead the previous morning and had thrown the body onto nearby wasteland “so the foxes could eat it.”

A veterinary examination revealed multiple rib fractures of differing ages on both sides of the body, consistent with repeated blunt‑force trauma. The vet confirmed that Jake had suffered significantly.

Animal Victim

A small terrier‑type dog with a wiry brown coat and darker fur around the muzzle, looking toward the camera.
Jake, the elderly terrier‑type dog who suffered multiple rib fractures over time.
  • Name: Jake
  • Species/Breed: Terrier‑type dog
  • Age: 16 years
  • Condition: Multiple rib fractures; evidence of prolonged suffering
  • Fate: Deceased

Sentence

  • Court: Peterlee Magistrates’ Court
  • Date: 16 September 2026
  • Penalty: 24‑week custodial sentence, suspended for two years
  • Ban: Lifetime prohibition on keeping animals
  • Costs: £300 plus £154 victim surcharge
  • Mitigation: Defence claimed Jake had fallen down stairs; offender’s autism noted.

RSPCA Statement

Inspector Christine Nisbet said:

“It is awful to think of the suffering Jake endured over months. Every living creature deserves a life free from suffering and filled with compassion.”

ChronicleLive
Northern Echo

Denial of Veterinary Treatment, Dogs, England, North West England

Horwich & Bolton, Greater Manchester: John Cochrane & Kerry Harwood

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A side‑by‑side composite showing John Cochrane and Kerry Harwood. The left image shows a person with bright red hair indoors; the right image shows a shirtless man with tattoos sitting outdoors.
John Cochrane and Kerry Harwood, whose neglect left an elderly dog screaming in pain from a huge ulcerated mammary tumour.

Case Summary

Elderly German Shepherd Copper was found suffering from a large, ulcerated mammary tumour after being left without appropriate veterinary care. The tumour had become pendulous, infected, and extremely painful. Copper screamed in pain during examination and was euthanised to end her suffering.

Her owners, John Cochrane and Kerry Harwood, pleaded guilty to causing unnecessary suffering and were banned from keeping dogs for three years.

Offender Overview

John Cochrane

  • Born: born circa 1994
  • Age at Conviction: 32
  • Last Known Address: Chorley New Road, Horwich, Bolton BL6
  • Occupation: unknown
  • Previous Convictions: unknown
  • Additional Information: Responsible for Copper; absent during inspector’s visit

Kerry Harwood

  • Born: born circa 1985
  • Age at Conviction: 41
  • Last Known Address: Moss Bank Way, Bolton BL1
  • Occupation: unknown
  • Previous Convictions: unknown
  • Additional Information: Present at the property; acknowledged Copper needed to be put to sleep

Incident Details

On 7 August 2026, RSPCA Inspector Jess Pierce attended a property on Moss Bank Way, Bolton, following reports of a dog with a large tumour. Inside the kitchen she found Copper, an elderly German Shepherd, shut in the room with a large “pendulous” mammary tumour that had ulcerated and emitted a strong smell of rotting flesh and infection.

An elderly German Shepherd lying on a tiled floor, appearing motionless, with her untreated tumour visible.
Copper was left with a pendulous, ulcerated tumour that became infected and agonising because her owners failed to seek help.

Inspector Pierce described the tumour as red, swollen, and leaking fluid. Harwood stated she knew Copper needed to be put to sleep and agreed for Copper to be taken for urgent veterinary examination. Cochrane, who lived at the address and was responsible for Copper, was not present at the time.

At the RSPCA Greater Manchester Animal Hospital, Copper screamed before the vet even touched the tumour. Examination confirmed she was suffering significantly due to the size of the mass, ulceration, and likely secondary bacterial infection. Her prognosis was extremely poor, and euthanasia was deemed the only humane option.

Veterinary evidence concluded Copper had suffered severely and that her condition would have been obvious to any responsible owner. Her pain could have been alleviated had veterinary treatment been sought earlier.

Animal Victim

  • Name: Copper
  • Species: Dog
  • Breed: German Shepherd
  • Sex: Female
  • Age: Elderly
  • Injuries / Condition: Large ulcerated mammary tumour; severe pain; suspected secondary infection
  • Fate: Euthanised to end suffering
  • Additional Notes: Screamed in pain during examination; tumour described as pendulous and leaking fluid

Sentence

  • Court: Wigan Magistrates’ Court
  • Date: 1 September 2026
  • Penalty:
    • 200 hours of unpaid work
    • 20 Rehabilitation Activity Requirement days
    • 12‑month community order
  • Mitigation: none stated
  • Ban Expiry: Three‑year disqualification from owning or keeping dogs (expiry: 1 September 2029)

RSPCA Statement

Inspector Deborah Beats said: “This was such an upsetting case to investigate as poor Copper had been let down so badly by her two owners. It was unquestionable that Copper was in pain and suffering from the extremely large tumour, yet her owners did not provide her with appropriate veterinary care. It’s essential that pet owners seek prompt treatment for their animals, and whilst we appreciate some can struggle to afford veterinary costs, there is help available and we all have a responsibility to make sure our animals are properly cared for.”

Bolton News
Manchester Evening News

Denial of Veterinary Treatment, Dogs, England, North East England, Starvation / Malnutrition

Darlington, County Durham: Jenna Read

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A close‑up portrait of Jenna Read wearing a bright pink top, with light brown hair swept to one side and light‑coloured eyes, indoors against a neutral background.
Jenna Read, whose neglect left her dog in a shocking state of suffering, photographed before facing justice for the cruelty she inflicted.

Case Summary

Nine‑year‑old Bichon Frise Jim was found in an appalling state of neglect after being taken to a County Durham veterinary clinic on 26 September 2025. He weighed just 2.5kg, had a body condition score of 1/9, and was infested with maggots in his eyes, mouth and anus.

A close view of a small white dog with curly fur, held gently by a person in a dark blue shirt. The dog’s fur is matted around the mouth, with counters and equipment in the background.

A friend of the offender, Jenna Read, brought Jim to the clinic after becoming severely concerned about his welfare. The vet determined that euthanasia was the only humane option.

An RSPCA investigation later discovered another dog, Rosy, living at Read’s home in a dirty, matted condition. Rosy was signed over and has since been rehomed.

A portrait of Jenna Read indoors, with straight brown hair, light skin, and a necklace with round stones. She is wearing a light top under bright ceiling lights.

Read pleaded guilty to causing unnecessary suffering and received a 10‑year ban on keeping animals.

Offender Overview

  • Name: Jenna Read
  • Born: 19 September 1986
  • Age at Conviction: 39
  • Last Known Address: Rockwell Avenue, Darlington
  • Occupation: Unknown
  • Previous Convictions: Not reported
  • Additional Information: Defence cited mental health difficulties and periods of hospitalisation; court heard that other adults had also been involved in caring for the dogs.

Incident Details

Jim was taken to a veterinary clinic by a friend who had permission from Read to request euthanasia.

The dog lying on the examination table, exhausted and heavily matted after prolonged neglect.

On examination, the vet found Jim severely emaciated, with his skeletal frame clearly visible and a body condition score of 1/9. He weighed just 2.5kg and showed signs of extreme muscle wastage.

A mass was present on his neck, and live maggots were found in his mouth, under his left eye, and around his anus.

A close-up of Jim’s infected eye, with fingers parting the fur to reveal visible live maggots moving within the inflamed tissue.
Close‑up of Jim’s infected eye crawling with live maggots — a graphic indicator of the extreme neglect he endured before rescue.

The concentration of maggots in the oral cavity suggested a possible dental abscess, although no external wounds were found to explain the infestation.

A small white curly‑haired dog stands on a black veterinary examination table while a person in a dark blue uniform gently restrains it. White cabinets and medical equipment are visible in the background.

During the RSPCA investigation, another dog, Rosy, was discovered at Read’s home. Rosy had a dirty, matted coat and was later signed over to the charity and rehomed.

Animal Victims

  • Jim — 9‑year‑old Bichon Frise
    • Emaciated (2.5kg)
    • Body condition score 1/9
    • Severe muscle wastage
    • Maggot infestation (eyes, mouth, anus)
    • Euthanised to prevent further suffering
  • Rosy — Bichon Frise‑type dog
    • Dirty, matted coat
    • Signed over and rehomed

Sentence

  • Court: Newton Aycliffe Magistrates’ Court
  • Date: 20 August 2026
  • Penalty:
    • 10‑year disqualification from keeping animals (expires August 2036)
    • £200 fine
    • £80 victim surcharge
    • £480 costs
  • Mitigation: Mental health issues; periods of hospitalisation; other adults involved in care.

RSPCA Statement

The investigating inspector described Jim’s condition as “horrific,” noting his extreme emaciation and the presence of maggots emerging from multiple areas of his body. The inspector emphasised that owners must recognise when an animal is suffering and seek veterinary help before the situation becomes critical

Northern Echo
Chronicle Live
Dogs Today Magazne

Dogs, England, North West England, Physical Violence, Worst of the Worst

Blackley, Manchester: Frank Croft

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A close-up selfie of Francis Croft. He is wearing a dark jacket and looking directly at the camera, with household furnishings visible in the background.
Epitome of evil: Francis Croft, who beat an elderly Staffie so severely the dog had to be put down.

Case Summary

A 21‑year‑old* Staffordshire bull terrier named Georgie was subjected to a violent and sustained attack by Francis Croft of Liverton Court, Blackley. Croft kicked the elderly dog and struck him repeatedly with both a wooden mop handle and an ashtray, causing catastrophic head injuries. Georgie suffered a fractured skull and traumatic brain injury and was euthanised due to the severity of his injuries.

A light brown Staffordshire bull terrier wearing a black harness with yellow star patterns. The dog is sitting indoors in front of a blue blanket decorated with cartoon dog illustrations, looking alert and calm.
Georgie, the Staffordshire bull terrier who was fatally injured in the attack by Francis Croft.

Croft claimed he had been bitten, but there was no evidence to support this. The judge said that even if true, it offered no justification for the attack. Croft was jailed and banned from keeping animals for three years.

Offender Overview

Name: Francis (Frank) Croft
Born: circa 1963
Age at Conviction: 63
Last Known Address: Liverton Court, Blackley, Manchester M9 0NQ
Occupation: Not stated
Previous Convictions: Not stated
Additional Information: Croft was described in court as a chronic, long‑term drug abuser who had stopped taking prescribed mental‑health medication at the time of the offence.

Animal Victim

Name: Georgie
Species: Staffordshire bull terrier
*Age: Believed to be around 10–12 years old (reported as 21 in court) Sex: male
Fate: Euthanised due to catastrophic head injuries
Additional Information: Described as a gentle, kind‑hearted dog who pottered around the house and had lived with his owner since puppyhood.

Incident Details

The incident occurred on 16 March 2026 at the home of Croft’s neighbour, Bradley Crewe, in Blackley. Croft attempted to enter the flat but was initially prevented by a woman. He later managed to gain access, where several people were present along with Georgie — a dog known not to like him.

Another close-up selfie of Francis Croft. He is wearing a dark jacket and looking directly at the camera, with household furnishings visible in the background.

Witnesses described Croft as behaving in a “rowdy” manner. He kicked Georgie, causing the dog to yelp, then went to the kitchen and picked up a wooden mop handle, striking the dog with it. He then grabbed an ashtray and hit Georgie multiple times. Witnesses said Georgie cried in pain before collapsing motionless, bleeding from the head.

A vet confirmed Georgie had suffered a skull fracture and traumatic brain injury. Due to the extent of the injuries, Georgie was put down. A witness reported hearing Croft say he had “done Brad’s dog” after the attack.

Mr Crewe, who had cared for Georgie since he was a puppy, described him as a gentle, kind‑hearted dog who simply pottered around the house. He said the violent end to Georgie’s life was deeply distressing.

During a hearing at Manchester Crown Court Croft pleaded guilty to causing unnecessary suffering to a protected animal.

Prosecutor Peter Malone told the court there was no evidence Georgie had bitten Croft, and Croft had not mentioned any bite to police. Defence counsel Hayley Bennett said Croft expressed remorse and described his actions as “a stupid thing to do.” She said he had stopped taking mental‑health medication and was a long‑term drug abuser.

Judge Nicholas Dean KC told Croft:

“You attacked a 21‑year‑old dog, that is a very elderly dog, and in effect you killed the dog. This was a very cruel thing to do. Whether the dog bit you or not is neither here nor there.”

Sentence

  • Court: Manchester Crown Court
  • Date: August 2026
  • Penalty: Custodial sentence of three years and nine months
  • Ban: Three‑year ban on keeping animals (expires August 2029)
  • Mitigation: Mental‑health issues and drug abuse cited; remorse expressed

Manchester Evening News

Animal Abandonment, Denial of Veterinary Treatment, Dogs, Mid & West Wales, Wales

Carmarthen, Carmarthenshire: David Murphy

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Summary

Elderly collie/German Shepherd-cross Cora was found tied to a tree two days after Christmas, suffering from severe untreated skin disease, chronic dermatitis, thickened skin, multiple masses and extensive hair loss.

A small dog lies on red and grey blankets with a patch of thin or missing fur on her upper back.
Neglect left Cora’s coat patchy and her skin exposed.

Her owner, David Allen Murphy, failed to seek veterinary treatment for weeks to months, leaving her in prolonged physical and mental suffering. He received a suspended prison sentence and a 10‑year ban.

Offender Overview

Name: David Murphy
Born: circa 1986 (age 40 at sentencing)
Address: Quay Street, Carmarthen
Court: Llanelli Magistrates’ Court
Date of Sentence: 24 July 2026
Animal: Cora — elderly Collie‑cross German Shepherd
Organisation(s): RSPCA Cymru, Hope Rescue, Dyfed‑Powys Police

Summary of Offence

On 27 December 2025, police found Cora tied to a tree in freezing conditions. She had an obvious skin disease, extensive bald patches, thickened skin, chronic dermatitis and multiple mammary masses. Officers had seen her with Murphy shortly beforehand.

A close view of a dog’s back showing a large area of missing fur and irritated skin, with bandages visible on her legs.
A painful, inflamed wound caused by long‑term neglect.

Cora was taken to a veterinary practice for urgent treatment. Photographs taken before she was clipped showed severe hair loss on her neck, lower back and flanks.

A veterinary statement described Cora as:

  • “very itchy with severe skin disease”
  • “moist dermatitis scabbed over on both flanks”
  • “chronic skin changes around her ears”
  • “very thickened skin indicating a long‑standing issue”
  • “multiple masses over her body mostly in the mammary area”

The vet concluded that it would have taken weeks to months for Cora’s condition to deteriorate to this extent, and that she had suffered unnecessarily for that entire time — physically from irritation, scabbing and chronic inflammation, and mentally from the inability to escape constant discomfort.

Murphy failed to seek veterinary attention for an obvious health issue, breaching his duty of care and causing prolonged suffering.

His solicitor said Murphy was struggling with drug issues at the time, though the court made clear this did not excuse the neglect.

A medium‑sized dog with dark brown and black fur lies on green grass wearing a light‑coloured harness.
Cora, finally safe and able to rest.

Cora was taken into police possession and transferred to RSPCA care. She is now recovering with Hope Rescue.

Sentence

Murphy pleaded guilty to causing unnecessary suffering to a protected animal.

He received:

  • 18 weeks’ custody, suspended for 18 months
  • 120 hours unpaid work
  • 25 Rehabilitation Activity Requirement days
  • 10‑year ban on keeping animals
  • £600 costs
  • £150 victim surcharge
  • No separate penalty for failing to surrender under the Bail Act

In mitigation, the court heard that Murphy “loved the dog” and had drug issues.

RSPCA Statement

Inspector Keith Hogben said:

“Every animal deserves to be treated with kindness and respect and if you have a pet you are responsible for making sure they are happy and healthy. We would urge anyone struggling to seek help.”

Hope Rescue Statement

A small dog stands on wet sand at a beach wearing a bright red waterproof jacket.
Healthy, happy, and loved — Cora today. Credit: Hope Rescue

Hope Rescue confirmed that Cora’s skin has recovered well and she is now living in a loving foster home:

“She loves long walks, sunbathing in the garden and, most importantly, she will never be left out in the cold again.”

UKACF Metadata

Location: Carmarthen, Carmarthenshire
Offender: David Murphy
Born: circa 1986
Animal: Cora — Collie-cross German Shepherd
Offence: Causing unnecessary suffering (untreated skin disease; prolonged neglect)
Offence Date: Nov–Dec 2025
Sentence Date: 24 July 2026
Court: Llanelli Magistrates’ Court
Sentence: 18 weeks’ custody (suspended 18 months); 120 hours unpaid work; 25 RAR days
Ban: 10 years
Ban Expiry Date: July 2036
Costs: £600 + £150 surcharge
Organisation(s): RSPCA Cymru, Hope Rescue, Dyfed-Powys Police
Outcome for Animal: Recovering; Hope Rescue foster care

Sources

WalesOnline
Nation Cymru
Hope Rescue
Cambrian News

Animal Abandonment, Denial of Veterinary Treatment, Dogs, Highlands & Islands, Scotland, Starvation / Malnutrition, Unfit Living Conditions

Oban, Argyll & Bute: Gail Cornelius

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CONVICTED (2026) | Gail Cornelius, born c. 1976, of Soroba Road, Oban PA34 4JA – left her dog in filthy conditions and stopped feeding him.

Prosecution of Oban woman Gail Cornelius for the neglect and starvation of her pet dogs. Victim Rocky is pictured.

Police visited Cornelius’s address on October 12, 2025 and discovered two dogs unattended and surrounded by their own waste.

Fiscal depute Jane MacNiven told the court: “There were no obvious signs of food or water and one dog, described as underweight, was confined to a cage covered in faeces.”

Two days later Scottish SPCA Inspector Yvonne Sloss attended the address after no immediate response had been possible over the weekend.

When Cornelius arrived at the property. she allowed the inspector inside.

The inspector found two dogs in the hallway. One dog, seven-year-old collie cross Rocky, was described as being severely underweight, with his spine and hip bones protruding.

The second dog, 15-year-old terrier Nipper, appeared to be in better condition, although fur loss was noted around his neck.

Cornelius admitted that neither dog had ever seen a vet.

She told the inspector she had been dealing with mental health issues following family bereavements and had “not been coping”.

Cornelius, who had previously received assistance from the authorities in respect of the dogs, agreed to sign them over to the Scottish SPCA.

Subsequent veterinary examination found Rocky was emaciated and suffering from dental disease.

After the hearing, the SSPCA said: “Rocky was in an awful state and was emaciated.

“He had been suffering for a prolonged period of time and the accused should have sought immediate veterinary attention.

“I am glad that we were able to step in and ensure that Rocky was no longer left to suffer.”

Sentencing | ordered to pay a £400 fine and £20 victim surcharge. THREE-year ban (expires July 2029).

Press & Journal

Animal Abandonment, Cats, Denial of Veterinary Treatment, Dogs, England, North West England, Physical Violence, Reptiles / Exotics, Starvation / Malnutrition, Worst of the Worst

Brierfield, Lancashire: Terry and Sadie Boyd

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CONVICTED (2026) | Terrence Boyd, born c. 1992, and Sadie Boyd, born c. 1994, of Walter Street, Brierfield, Nelson BB9 5JB – tied an elderly dog up in a black bag and threw her into a canal to drown.

Animal abusers. Terry Boyd and Sadie Boyd from Brierfield, who threw an elderly dog into a canal to drown.

The Boyds pleaded guilty to causing unnecessary suffering to a protected animal and breaching animal welfare legislation..

On August 27, 2025, a dog walker saw the pair throw a bin liner into Leeds and Liverpool Canal and was told it contained clothes.

Animal abusers. Terry Boyd and Sadie Boyd from Brierfield, who threw an elderly dog into a canal to drown. Photo shows the dog's rescue.
Maddie was saved from certain death by a member of the public, supported by the RSPCA and fire service.

However, the bag began to move before a dog’s head emerged, prompting a member of the public to enter the water in an attempt to save the stricken pet.

Animal abusers. Terry Boyd and Sadie Boyd from Brierfield, who threw an elderly dog (Maddie pictured) into a canal to drown.

Emergency services were called, and the distressed dog, named Maddie, was pulled from the canal by Lancashire Fire and Rescue Service before being taken to a veterinary practice.

In evidence presented to the court, the vet who treated Maddie said she was hypothermic, with a temperature of 33.2°C, and was “severely malnourished” with significant muscle loss.

Animal abusers. Terry Boyd and Sadie Boyd from Brierfield, who threw an elderly dog into a canal to drown.

She was also found to have severe dental disease and multiple puncture wounds to her neck.

Animal abusers. Terry Boyd and Sadie Boyd from Brierfield, who threw an elderly dog into a canal to drown.

Maddie’s condition failed to improve and, two days later, she began to struggle to walk and developed neurological symptoms. A decision was made to put her to sleep on welfare grounds.

The RSPCA investigation uncovered poor conditions at the couple’s home.

Animal abusers. Terry Boyd and Sadie Boyd from Brierfield, who threw an elderly dog into a canal to drown and neglected other animals including the kitten pictured.

Seven kittens were removed from the property, all of whom were underweight, with some described as urine-soaked. Four were hypothermic and required warming.

One kitten, weighing just 735 grams, was in such a poor condition he had to be euthanised.

Animal abusers. Terry Boyd and Sadie Boyd from Brierfield, who threw an elderly dog into a canal to drown.

The house was described as unsanitary, with large amounts of animal faeces and mice present in the kitchen.

Animal abusers. Terry Boyd and Sadie Boyd from Brierfield, who threw an elderly dog into a canal to drown.

CCTV gathered by the RSPCA showed the Boyds carrying a black bag along Walter Street at around 9.05am before heading towards the canal. Footage later showed them leaving the area and running away.

Animal abusers. Terry Boyd and Sadie Boyd from Brierfield, who threw an elderly dog into a canal to drown.

During interview, both defendants largely gave no comment replies, with Sadie Boyd denying being at the canal that morning.

Speaking after the case, RSPCA Chief Inspector Kelly Nix said: “What happened to Maddie was horrifying, and this incident was understandably the cause of great distress to people who were at the scene, the emergency services and the wider local community.

“It was heartbreaking that Maddie’s condition deteriorated and she ultimately could not be saved.”

A corn snake found at the address, who had been kept without heating or suitable lighting, was taken into specialist care. The surviving kittens have since been rehomed.

Sentencing | eight weeks in prison, suspended for 12 months. Disqualified from owning or keeping animals for a period of 10 years (expires June 2036).

Lancashire Telegraph
Rayo

Denial of Veterinary Treatment, Dogs, England, Yorkshire and The Humber

Bridlington, East Riding of Yorkshire: Sam Gray

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CONVICTED (2026) | Samuel Gray, born c. 1987, of Blackburn Avenue, Bridlington YO15 – failed to seek medical treatment for his shar pei’s skin disease and ear infection.

RSPCA prosecution of Bridlington man Sam Gray, who failed to treat his dog's severe skin and ear conditions.

Gray pleaded guilty to one animal welfare offence in relation to a 10-year-old shar-pei named Boo following an investigation and prosecution by the RSPCA.

The animal welfare charity visited Gray’s address after a member of the public contacted them with welfare concerns about a dog living there.

RSPCA prosecution of Bridlington man Sam Gray, who failed to treat his dog's severe skin and ear conditions.

Animal Rescue Officer (ARO) James Dack found Boo to have a “severe skin condition, with fur loss on a large portion of her body.”

She was also noted to be “very subdued” and “constantly scratching.”

ARO Dack explained: “I was immediately concerned for the welfare of Boo. She appeared to be in extreme discomfort, likely in pain and in my opinion, needed to see a vet urgently for treatment.”

RSPCA prosecution of Bridlington man Sam Gray, who failed to treat his dog's severe skin and ear conditions.

In their report to the court, a vet said: “It was immediately obvious that Boo had severe skin disease. The owner had reported … that Boo had not been to a vet for years.

“Boo had hair thinning over the majority of her body. Her skin was chronically thickened and pigmented in multiple areas.”

The vet also reported that Boo had “numerous sores on her skin” and “numerous warty masses.”

Due to her poor state of health, euthanasia was considered to be the most humane option for Boo.

RSPCA prosecution of Bridlington man Sam Gray, who failed to treat his dog's severe skin and ear conditions.

The court heard in mitigation that Gray had been “overwhelmed by mental health difficulties”. It was also heard that he took Boo to a vets but could not afford the prescribed medication.

Speaking after sentencing, ARO Dack said: “Owning an animal is a privilege – and ensuring appropriate care is a key responsibility we have towards them.

“Animals are completely reliant on their owners to ensure their needs are met and they are kept safe and healthy.

“If any pet owner is struggling to care for their animal, we’d encourage them to reach out to a local charity or organisation who can help.”

Sentencing | ordered to pay a fine of £120, costs of £200 and victim surcharge of £48. TWO-year ban (expires June 2028).

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